Method of tensioning a diaphragm for an electro-dynamic loudspeaker

Abstract

Electro-dynamic loudspeakers typically include a diaphragm having a conductor applied to one of its surfaces. The diaphragm is secured to a frame. The conductor is connected to a power supply for providing electrical current through linear traces of the conductor that interact with magnetic fields generated by magnets that are mounted to the frame. The diaphragm is driven by a motive force created when current passes through the conductor within the magnetic field. The electrical current is varied to create an acoustical output from the electro-dynamic loudspeaker. Different methods of tensioning the diaphragm are provided for simplifying the manufacturing process and for assuring proper diaphragm tension.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 380,001, filed on May 2, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 378,188, filed on May 6, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 391,134, filed on Jun. 24, 2002. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.[0002]This application incorporates by reference the disclosures of each of the following co-pending applications which have been filed concurrently with this application: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 428,313, entitled “Mounting Bracket System,” filed May 2, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 428,316, entitled “Film Attaching System,” filed May 2, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 429,228, entitled “Electrical Connectors for Electro-Dynamic Loudspeakers,” filed May 2, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 428,314, entitled “Electro-Dynamic Loudspeaker Mounting System,” filed May 2, 2003; U.S. p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides various methods for tensioning the diaphragm of an electro-dynamic loudspeaker. One method involves using a film clamp to temporarily fix the diaphragm in a non-tensioned state, and then displacing it over the loudspeaker frame to produce tension. Another method involves using a feedback control system to compare the actual resonance frequency during tensioning with a target resonance frequency and adjust the tensioning process accordingly. The invention also includes a diaphragm with a spider and a plurality of fingers to produce tension, as well as a frame loading station, an adhesive application station, a magnet placing station, a curing station, a magnetization station, a diaphragm adhesive application station, a diaphragm placing station, an edge treatment application station, a film tensioning and adhesive curing station, an electrical terminal installation station, a diaphragm cutting station, a clamp repositioning station and an acoustical testing station. Overall, the invention provides improved methods for tensioning the diaphragm of an electro-dynamic loudspeaker and ensuring proper functioning of the loudspeaker.

Problems solved by technology

Many design and manufacturing challenges present themselves in the manufacturing of electro-dynamic loudspeakers.

The frame presents its own design challenges.

Accordingly, designing conductors for electro-dynamic loudspeaker applications presents various challenges such as selecting the speaker with the desired audible output for a given location that will fit within the size and location constraints of the desired applications environment.

Often, space limitations in the listening environment prohibit the use of a loudspeaker in an audio system that possesses the preferred directivity pattern for the system's design.

For example, the amount of space and the particular locations available in a listening environment for locating and / or mounting the loudspeakers of the audio system may prohibit the use of a particular loudspeaker that exhibits the intended directivity pattern.

Also, due to space and location constraints, it may not be possible to position or oriented the desired loudspeaker in a manner consistent with the loudspeaker's directivity pattern.

Consequently, size and space constraints of a particular environment may make it difficult to achieve the desired performance from the audio system.

Unfortunately, the large rectangular size results in a high-frequency beam width angle or coverage that may be too narrow for its intended application.

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